Outreach in Kuujjuaq: Connecting to Communities Across Ungava

From March 26 to March 29, 2025, Dr. Michelle Kwok and Dr. Mariam Eldaba, a PGY-4 allergy and immunology fellow in training, traveled to Kuujjuaq, the largest community in Ungava Bay, Nunavik.

Patients seen during this visit came from Kuujjuaq, with others flown in from Kangiqsujuaq, Tasiujaq, and Quaqtaq. These communities, though geographically isolated, share common challenges when it comes to accessing specialized care. The outreach team worked to provide allergy consultations, drug challenges, and food allergy testing—services that are often unavailable locally without significant travel to Montréal.

Key Activities and Consultations

During their visit, the team focused on drug allergy de-labeling for several patients who had previously been labeled with penicillin allergies. In many cases, false drug allergy labels can limit treatment options, often requiring patients to use less effective or more expensive alternatives. Patients can have expanded their treatment options in case of infection and reduced need for unnecessary travel to larger healthcare centers. These interventions are a vital part of improving healthcare access and health outcomes in these remote communities, where medical resources are scarce, and access to specialists is limited.

The team also conducted testing to food allergy, which is increasingly becoming a greater concern for familise in Nunavik. For patients and families dealing with the fear of allergic reactions to certain foods, this testing brought much-needed clarity and peace of mind.

Community Engagement

Beyond the clinical work, the team had the opportunity to experience the strong sense of community in Kuujjuaq. Local residents demonstrated their hospitality and generosity, with one patient offering the team freshly caught Arctic char—a symbol of the deep connection between the people of the region and the land they rely on for sustenance.

Visit to the Nunavik Research Centre

On the final day of the visit, the team visited the Nunavik Research Centre, where they were introduced to Dr. Michael Kwan. The Centre is a key hub for environmental health research in Nunavik, focusing on contaminants in local fish and marine mammals. One of the most significant programs run by the Centre is the Trichinella testing for walrus meat, which helps ensure food safety in the region, where traditional hunting remains a critical part of daily life.

This visit to the Nunavik Research Centre highlighted the importance of community-driven research and its role in addressing environmental health challenges that directly impact the population. The Centre’s research is an essential component of public health efforts in Nunavik, providing local communities with the tools they need to maintain their traditional lifestyles safely and sustainably.

Looking Ahead

This outreach mission to Kuujjuaq and surrounding communities underscored the critical need for specialized healthcare services in remote northern areas. For many residents, access to healthcare often means traveling long distances, which can be financially and emotionally draining. By expanding access to care and building local healthcare capacity, Connexion Nordique aims to reduce these burdens, allowing people to receive high-quality, specialized care closer to home.

The trip also highlighted the value of collaboration between local healthcare providers and visiting specialists, ensuring that culturally sensitive care is provided in a manner that respects the community’s unique needs and traditions. As Connexion Nordique continues its outreach efforts in Nunavik, the goal remains to strengthen these partnerships, expand access to care, and ensure that all northern communities have the support they need to thrive.